Registered Nurse Salaries in Illinois — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median registered nurse salary in Illinois is $86,410 per year, equivalent to $41.54/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Illinois employs approximately 139,900 registered nurses statewide.
Registered Nurse salaries in Illinois are below the national average by approximately $3,766. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean registered nurses in Illinois enjoy reliable job security.
Illinois Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Illinois after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Illinois Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Illinois median of $86,410.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Illinois
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Illinois — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Illinois has seen 13.9% wage growth for registered nurses — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Illinois's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Illinois
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $95,900 | $46.11 | +11.0% | 48,965 |
| Aurora | $91,600 | $44.04 | +6.0% | 39,172 |
| Naperville | $89,000 | $42.79 | +3.0% | 25,182 |
| Joliet | $82,950 | $39.88 | -4.0% | 12,591 |
| Rockford | $78,650 | $37.81 | -9.0% | 8,394 |
| Springfield | $75,200 | $36.15 | -13.0% | 5,596 |
Tip: Chicago offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Illinois at $95,900/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Illinois vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Illinois sits in the mid-range for registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Illinois
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in Illinois is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Illinois job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean registered nurses in Illinois enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Illinois
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Illinois typically adds $70,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Chicago pays registered nurses $95,900/yr — +11.0% above the Illinois average. Simply relocating within Illinois can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals typically command premium rates in Illinois. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Wisconsin pays registered nurses $86,070/yr — -0.4% vs Illinois.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Illinois
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Illinois:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Illinois — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Illinois — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Chicago, IL→